Oh, Elly, dear, once we get to Mica,let’s visit the library." The tollkeeper said happily that he knew how much she loved books and, after finishing their current mission,wanted the young guardian to have something to look forward to.

"Sounds good." She smiled, still admiring the view.

TollKeeper nodded. It was moments like this where he truly did love traveling with Elyn. The weather was ideal, and everyone was in good spirits, which was why he was hesitant about telling Elyn about the Adroks.

‘No,this isn’t the right way to protect her.’

The tiny voice in his head was right; sure, the Adrok he defeated was small and weak, but it also meant that other Adroks could be awakening as well.

Elyn, we need to talk," the tollkeeper said.

Elyn turned around quickly,her attention no longer focused on the outside. For the first time ever,something seemed off. Toll Keeper was never this calm or serious.

"What’s wrong?" She asked slightly worriedly, giving The tollkeeper her full, undivided attention.

"Elyn, do you know why the Guardians were created?" He began.

"To keep balance throughout Adamas." Elyn answered 

"Do you know what happens if a soul is unable to pass to Famuria?" He asked.

Elyn shook her head. A soul not passing into Famuria was unheard of. As long as she’s been alive, a soul not passing is highly unlikely. Her silence didn’t surprise The tollkeeper in the least. After all, it’s been a long, peaceful four hundred years since the last group of Adroks appeared. Even Elyn’s brother wasn’t found,which surprised the tollkeeper. How was it that he hadn’t been transformed into an Adrok?

"Toll Keeper, is this about my brother?" Elyn asked, and she didn’t know if she was even prepared for whatever news awaited him.

No, but Elias may be connected with this. Elyn, when reading King Elzra’s journal, heard the word Adrok or Blackbone."

Elyn shook her head no, although, to be fair, she hasn’t gotten far into the book. It was a good read, and Elyn wanted to take her time.

"When a mortal dies,their soul leaves their physical body... Toll Keeper began, of course. Elyn already knew this; everyone knew this information.

"Then the guardians led the souls to Famuria." Elyn finished.

"The cycle of life and death is what helps maintain balance throughout Adamas; however, sometimes that balance can be broken, Elyn."

"How?" She asked with latent curiosity in her eyes.

"Adroks are formed from souls who couldn’t access Famuria; their bones are as black as a starless night sky, and their smell resembles that of rotting flesh. They are the very abomination of Adamas." Toll Keeper answered.

"Toll Keeper,are the Adroks coming back?" Elyn said she was kind of figuring out where this conversation was going.

"I think so,Elyn. I think it’s time to train you in combat; a guardian’s job isn’t just to guide souls to Famuria but to protect the living from the dead." Toll Keeper answered.

Elias, he’s one of these." Elyn began. She could already feel the tears forming. This was unfair. She wanted to give her brother a proper goodbye, but now that seemed impossible.

"I believe Elias hasn’t turned yet; I don’t know why,which is the part that terrifies me the most... A forgotten soul not becoming an Adrok is unheard of." Toll Keeper said

"Are you sure?" She asked, and hearing the information made her more determined to find Elias. She had to; this was her life’s mission, after all.

"Yes, Im positive. Elyn, the last Adrok, was seen four hundred years ago. Elias is fine. We’ll find him." Toll Keeper answered.

The tears, of course, were now falling down her face. On the one hand, her brother could still be found; he could still be led to Famuria. On the other hand, what would happen if she found Elias to be one of those vile creatures? Could she... Right now, during this moment, Elyn knew that she couldn’t fight Elias.

"Tollkeeper, please train me as soon as possible." Elyn spoke with full determination in her voice.

A huge grin formed on the tollkeeper’s face. This was why he adored Elyn, why he adored humans: no matter how hard the trials of living brought them,they were destined to keep fighting for the better.

"I wonder what your beloved Elysium will be." Toll Keeper wondered, after all, that there were so many choices to choose from.

" Elysium?" Elyn asked 

"Weapon of Self-Reflection: Each guardian has one made just for them." Toll Keeper said, grabbing one of Elyn’s books.

"I wonder if I will get a cool sword." Elyn quietly chuckled.

The tollkeeper shook his head and began to read the book in his hands.

Elly, dear, a sword would be far too pedestrian for you." His attention was glued to the pages in front of him.